Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (PNP)
Aspiring nurse practitioners (NPs) looking to work with children can gain all of the necessary expertise by completing an accredited online pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) program. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), skills developed in online programs include administering childcare and special needs services, implementing real-life practitioner skills into the workplace, and treating common and acute pediatric illnesses.
To become a PNP, each candidate must first obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a master of science in nursing (MSN). Indeed.com reports an average base salary of PNPs at $124,450, while data from PayScale.com indicates a median pay of $91,000.
AANP reports that PNPs fill versatile roles within the healthcare system. These professionals find employment in hospitals, clinics, pediatric offices, and school-based health centers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for general NPs to grow by 52% from 2019-29.
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Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. Birmingham, AL Mobile, AL Norfolk, VA Cookeville, TN Chicago, IL El Paso, TX Lubbock, TX Saint Louis, MO Weston, MA Kansas City, MO Philadelphia, PA Saint Louis, MO Philadelphia, PA South Orange, NJ Charleston, SC Tucson, AZ Durham, NC
Top 10 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Rank
School
Location
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
2
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
3
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
4
Tennessee Tech University/ETSU Joint
Cookeville, TN
5
Rush University
Chicago, IL
6
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX
7
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
8
Maryville University
Saint Louis, MO
9
Regis College
Weston, MA
10
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
Top Online Programs
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Location
University of South Alabama
Location
Old Dominion University
Location
Tennessee Tech University/ETSU Joint
Location
Rush University
Location
University of Texas at El Paso
Location
Texas Tech University
Location
Maryville University
Location
Regis College
Location
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Location
Thomas Jefferson University
Location
Saint Louis University
Location
Drexel University
Location
Seton Hall University
Location
Medical University of South Carolina
Location
University of Arizona
Location
Duke University
Location
Applying to a BSN Degree Program in Georgia
Common prerequisites for applying and becoming a PNP include a 3.0 GPA, prior experience as a practicing professional nurse, paying the school’s application fees, and an active registered nurse (RN) license in your state. Students can take the NCLEX-RN exam after completing their state’s prerequisites to earn licensure. Each state maintains distinct requirements for students applying for the exam.
A letter of recommendation or any other additional outside work experience could also help a student’s chances of gaining admission into a program. Many of these programs incorporate an accelerated track to earn a doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP) while pursuing an MSN. A DNP provides a student with advanced clinical practices to prepare for higher-level leadership positions, opening up more career opportunities with higher salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a PNP, a student must receive a BSN and an MSN. When applying for an MSN or a DNP, programs require each applicant to possess their BSN, which commonly takes 3-4 years. The MSN typically takes another two years for students to earn. Becoming a PNP also requires a state RN license.
Accreditation demonstrates that a postsecondary institution meets a certain level of educational quality as established by an accrediting body. Accrediting bodies access institutions on a national or regional level in the U.S. to determine whether the institution meets its academic criteria. Graduating from an accredited school indicates that the degree has met rigorous educational standards.
Educational experience and overall work duties demonstrate differences between pediatricians and PNPs. A pediatrician completes a minimum of 12 years of secondary education, as compared to the typical six years it takes to become a PNP. Both professions provide care for children, but only pediatricians can prescribe medications and perform surgery.
Acute care PNPs (CPNP-AC) and primary care PNPs (CPNP-PC) both provide healthcare services to children and young adults. However, they have different specializations for the type of care they provide. A CPNP-AC specializes in care for patients with acute or chronic illnesses. A CPNP-PC maintains a patient’s health and performs routine check-ups.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
What Is Accreditation, and Why Is it Important?
What Is the Difference Between a Pediatrician and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
What Is the Difference Between a CPNP-PC and a CPNP-AC?
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